Drivers could save hundreds on car insurance in 2026

UK motorists are being shown how simple adjustments could help them save hundreds on their car insurance in 2026.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are urging drivers to consider what modifications they choose, how they word their job title, and to be realistic about the annual mileage covered each year. 

Although car insurance prices have fallen in 2025, with the current average cost coming in at £591 as of Q3 2025, small changes to how and when people purchase their premiums could create further savings.*

Recent data has revealed how slight changes in job title wording could impact insurance pricing, as providers can categorise job roles differently.*

Another major consideration for drivers is the modifications they make to their car, with common modifications like window tints, tow bars, and even sunroofs having the potential to not only increase insurance premiums, but invalidate insurance altogether if they are undeclared. 

A Quotezone survey earlier this year showed 65% of drivers didn’t realise adding a sunroof could be seen as a modification, meaning many drivers could be unknowingly risking higher insurance premiums or invalid cover.*

Drivers have also been warned about how much their mileage can really affect their insurance premiums, with those clocking up the miles potentially paying hundreds more each year.*

The timing of car insurance renewal remains a huge saving, with drivers potentially able to cut costs by up to 45% simply by renewing 15 to 24 days before their policy ends.* The later drivers leave it, the more expensive premiums are likely to be.

A recent Quotezone survey showed two-thirds buy last minute when costs are potentially at their highest. Research also shows that premiums purchased between midnight and 6am are 22% higher on average than those secured during the day.

Quotezone.co.uk CEO and car insurance expert Greg Wilson said: “This year has been really positive for many motorists as car insurance costs continued to decline quite significantly. 

“This time last year we were looking at an average of £770 and now the average cost is coming in at just over £590. A decrease of £180 in the space of 12 months is welcome news for drivers who may be struggling with rising fuel and repair costs.

“But there are further savings to be had and a number of small changes could help put more money back into drivers’ pockets. 

“While each individuals circumstances are different and car insurance premiums are based on a series of risk factors such as age, location, and the cost of the vehicle – it is always worth ensuring drivers have the best possible price for their situation and reviewing these price sensitive questions and keeping these money saving tips in mind is key. 

“It’s hard to predict what car insurance prices will do in 2026. While recent months have seen some easing in average premiums, there’s no guarantee this will continue, as inflation pressures, rising claims rates and the increasing cost of car repairs may make it challenging to keep prices lower for long. This makes it vital that drivers know how to get the most competitive price possible.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s top five car insurance saving hacks:

1.Choose your job title carefully

Insurers categorise job roles differently, meaning slight changes in job title wording can also impact insurance pricing. For example, someone describing themselves as a “Healthcare Assistant” might receive a different quote by selecting “Care Assistant” or “Care Worker” instead. As long as the title remains accurate, it could help reduce premiums.

2.Consider the car modifications you make 

Car modifications can cause higher insurance premiums as they often increase the value of the vehicle and insurers may view them as an increased risk of theft. It’s also important to make sure any modifications are declared to the insurer or you run the risk of invalidating your policy.  

3.Review how much annual mileage you’ll really cover

Driving habits and your circumstances can change over time, so it’s important to regularly review your policy and let your insurer know of any changes to ensure you are in the correct mileage band, especially if you’re driving much less miles than you initially covered yourself for. Motorists clocking up fewer than 1,000 miles a year pay an average of £520, while those who exceed 30,000 miles face average costs of £800. 

4.Hit the insurance renewal sweet spot 

Those who are organised and give themselves plenty of time to compare quotes from other insurers will likely get a better deal than those who leave it until the last minute. Quotezone data reveals that 15 to 24 days before the policy is due to start is the sweet spot, with drivers purchasing during this timeframe saving themselves an average of 33-45%.

5. Park somewhere safer

The closer you can park to the house, the safer your car is likely to be, reducing the risk of theft or damage, which could help reduce your insurance premiums. Those who park their car out on the road overnight could see average premiums of £1136, whereas the average for parking on a private driveway is 24% less at £868.

Quotezone helps over 4 million customers every year compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products such as car, truck and van insurance.  

References:
*https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/average-car-insurance-premium-by-region
*https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/surprising-job-titles-that-could-bump-up-your-car-insurance
*https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/roof-box-could-invalidate-your-insurance
*https://www.quotezone.co.uk/presszone/simple-driving-error-could-cost-you-40
*https://www.quotezone.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/when-to-renew-car-insurance

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.